Earthmoving Equipment Magazine looks at the latest updates to the innovative Next Gen range of medium dozers from Caterpillar®.
Caterpillar equipment is typically upgraded every few years, with major model updates generally occurring every three to five years.
However, incremental improvements and updates to technology, safety, and efficiency features can happen more frequently, especially as technology advances or environmental regulations change.
The Next Generation of Caterpillar dozers has been well-received by industry for their improved productivity, efficiency, and ease of use for operators in civil construction, mining, and other heavy-duty applications.
The Next Gen dozers cater to different operational needs, ranging from smaller D1s to large models like the D11. In Australia, the latest medium dozer version is the D8, which completes the Next Gen dozer line-up.
The previous issue of Earthmoving Equipment Magazine looked at some of the technology upgrades to the D4-D8 range. In this edition, Cat® ANZ Technology Application Specialist (GCI) Christopher Barrett provides more detail about some of these features.
Chris said the Next Gen medium dozers have been characterised by advanced technology and automation capabilities, such as integrated 3D systems on a well-balanced platform, which allow for highly precise grading and levelling.
As well, Chris said Caterpillar now provides customers with the flexibility to choose between Tier 3 and Tier 4 emission engines for its medium dozer range — independently of the grade technology on the machine — ensuring they can meet regulatory and operational needs across different regions and applications.
“Caterpillar’s flexibility means the full technology suite available on the Next Gen Dozers are available with Tier 3 engines,” he said. “It reflects Caterpillar’s commitment to meeting customer needs in the local market.”
To simplify the technology on the Next Gen medium dozers, there are two core technology options that build upon each other: Assist with Attachment Ready Option and Grade 3D with Assist.
Assist with the Attachment Ready option includes a base technology set.
As expected, the D8 takes these feature set to newer and higher levels compared to its predecessor, the D8T.
“Some blade and steering functions are now automated so newer operators can work at productivity levels closer to their veteran counterparts,” Chris said.
“Meanwhile, seasoned operators can enjoy reduced effort and fatigue, along with faster, more accurate results.”
For example, Stable Blade complements the operator’s blade control inputs to help reduce small imperfections and control blade aggressiveness.
“It helps the operator take out jolts and bumps that might sort of come in during dozing,” Chris said.
Slope Assist helps operators reach blade slope and mainfall targets by automatically maintaining the dozer blade’s established blade angles.
Slope or Mainfall can be set, or the blade can automatically maintain the operator’s last command. This is a feature that more operators are using to blend transitions, cut roads, or spread material evenly over a pad.
Then there is Steer Assist, which automates track and blade tilt steering, and helps reduce operator fatigue by automatically maintaining straight travel with light loads or heavy loads on flat ground and side slopes.
“With Steer Assist off, the operator would need to make constant adjustments to the steering to maintain a straight heading,” Chris said.
“Steer Assist can control the differential steering or use automatically use blade/tilt steering for when doing production dozing or when the blade is under heavier loads.”
Meanwhile, the AutoCarry function automates blade lift to maximise blade load, improve load consistency, and reduce track slip.
“It provides operator real-time feedback on current load versus the optimal blade load based on ground conditions to maximise material movement,” Chris said.
An extra dimension
The D8s are equipped with Grade 3D with Assist, a factory-installed, integrated grade control system with chassis mounted and blade mounted Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors and GNSS antennas mounted to the cab.
This design provides maximum durability serviceability with wiring routed in robust hosing and heavy-duty sensor covers.
“Not many civil projects are completed these days without the use of 3D machine control and a digital job site plan,” Chris said.
“This is where the GRADE 3D with Assist package comes in, as the system uses machine integrated sensors, enabling the blade to move automatically to help keep your grade at the required level.
“Infield designs can be applied to the machine while working on a jobsite without the need for surveyors coming out.”
Steer Assist 3D is a recent addition to the 3D package, which automatically follows guidance lines from site design plans.
This feature was developed with local contractors on the D5 and D6 and is now available from the D1 through to D8.
“With Steer Assist 3D, the operator simply selects a 3D or horizontal line in the digital design plan on the Cat Grade display,” Chris said.
“Once a line is selected, the operator simply engages the auto button on the blade control joystick and the dozer then will automate the blade and automate the steering.
“This is particularly useful in applications like following a curb line or an alignment for cutting in roads or spreading material evenly across a large area.”
In a recent demonstration at Townsville, an Infield design was created giving the Next Gen dozer a centre alignment on the slot to work too.
Using Grade 3D, AutoCarry and Blade Steer, the operator only had to load the blade, and the machine did rest, maintaining maximum blade and straight line with a full blade load.
After the slot was completed, the machine could be passed and sifted across evenly to maximise dozing efficiency.
“We have recently expanded the design file accepted in GRADE 3D system; it now supports the ISO 15143-4 design file standard, which is based on LandXML files. This means it makes it easier for contractors and projects which are managing multiple technology systems,” Chris said.
“The latest GNSS receivers used in Cat Grade 3D have increased accuracy in challenging environments due to improvements in satellite signal processing, this is very notable when working near trees or high walls.”
In addition, the latest Cat Grade 10- inch (25cm) touchscreen monitor with excellent daylight readability has even faster processing power with more memory.
“Common cab and operator interface and controls make it easy to operate different machine sizes, and the updated grade display features two high-resolution colour 10-inch (25cm) touchscreen monitor with excellent daylight readability,” Chris said.
“The standard, high-definition rearview camera also shows prominently in the main display when in reverse.”
Meanwhile, the Application Profile lets users save machine settings based on application or operator preference. They can utilise any
of the default profiles defined by Cat’s expert operators or customise profiles for various jobs or multiple operators.
“The controls are also designed for intuitive use, helping operators of all skill levels operate the machine effectively and comfortably,” Chris said.
Site connectivity
The Next Gen dozers can also come from the factory site with a UHF Site Network Radio (SNR).
Dozers are fitted with dual band SNR to enable connectivity to a local 450Mhz local base station, or 2.4Ghz total station which can be used when machine does not have access to satellites above.
“When working in areas such as under an overpass, a 3D design plan is needed,” Chris said.
Cat’s cloud-based software application VisionLink® provides actionable data insights for all assets, regardless of fleet size or equipment manufacturer.
“The on-board mobile technology Product Link can provide RTK GNSS corrections from Virtual Reference Stations (VRS) and Internet Base Stations Solutions (IBSS),” Chris said.
“In addition, the new VisionLink Productivity application can be used to send design files over the air from the office as well as enable remote support of the Cat Grade display.
“As-built production data from the Grade 3D system is displayed to show any work remaining, work completed and grade performance.
“In essence, VisionLink Productivity has expanded its capability to 3D production data to an application that can help customers analyse jobsite performance and improve productivity based on actionable information. It is scalable to any size operation, regardless of asset brand, and can be accessed wherever they are via mobile, tablet, or desktop.”
Comfort and visibility
Of course, the dozers come with Caterpillar’s refined ergonomic cab designs, offering more space, improved visibility, and user- friendly controls, such as large touchscreen displays, and integrated controls creating a more comfortable operating environment.
“For the medium range — D5 through D8— we’ve raised the bar for comfort, productivity, and straightforward operation across the models,” Chris said.
“The integrated rollover protective structure (ROPS) and next generation cab design provides 17 per cent improved visibility.
“Common cab and operator interface and controls make it easy to operate different machine sizes, and the updated grade display features 2 x high-resolution colour 10-inch (25cm) touchscreen monitor with excellent daylight readability and faster processing with more memory.
“The standard, high-definition rearview camera also shows prominently in the main display when in reverse.”
To keep the operator happy when he’s doing his long shifts, the wide air suspension seat has multiple adjustments for personalised comfort, with the armrests adjusting independent of the seats.
Other features include distributed cab heating/cooling, which circulates air effectively around the operator and helps reduce window fogging/frosting, ample storage spaces throughout the cab and convenient USB and auxiliary power ports in cab.
“Overall, the Next Gen medium dozers represent a leap forward in dozer technology, focusing on operational efficiency, advanced automation, and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for projects looking to maximise productivity while lessening environmental impact,” Chris said.
For more information about the latest updates to the Cat medium dozers, contact a Cat dealer or visit: www.cat.com.